Method for producing halide

ABSTRACT

A production method for producing a halide, the method includes a heat treatment step of heat-treating a mixed material containing (NH4)aYα3+a, (NH4)bGdβ3+b, Liγ, and Caδ2 in an inert gas atmosphere, wherein α, β, γ, and δ are each independently at least one selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, and I, and the formulas: 0≤a≤3, 0≤b≤3, and 0&lt;a+b≤6, are satisfied.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a production method for producing a halide.

2. Description of the Related Art

International Publication No. 2018/025582 discloses a production method for producing a halide solid electrolyte.

SUMMARY

One non-limiting and exemplary embodiment provides a production method for producing a halide with industrially high productivity.

In one general aspect, the techniques disclosed here feature a production method for producing a halide, the method containing heat-treating a mixed material containing (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a), (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b), Liγ, and Caδ₂ in an inert gas atmosphere, wherein α, β, γ, and δ are each independently at least one selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, and I, and the formulas 0≤a≤3, 0≤b≤3, and 0<a+b≤6 are satisfied.

The present disclosure provides a production method for producing a halide with industrially high productivity.

Additional benefits and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent from the specification and drawings. The benefits and/or advantages may be individually obtained by the various embodiments and features of the specification and drawings, which need not all be provided in order to obtain one or more of such benefits and/or advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a production method according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a production method according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a production method according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a pressure-molding die 200 used for evaluating the ionic conductivity of a solid electrolyte material; and

FIG. 5 is a graph showing the Cole-Cole plot obtained by impedance measurement of a solid electrolyte material according to Sample 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a production method according to a first embodiment.

The production method according to the first embodiment includes a heat treatment step S1000. In the heat treatment step S1000, a mixed material is heat-treated in an inert gas atmosphere.

The mixed material to be heat-treated in the heat treatment step S1000 is a material containing (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a), (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b), Liγ, and Caδ₂, wherein α, β, γ, and δ are each independently at least one selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, and I. Furthermore, the formulas: 0≤a≤3, 0≤b≤3, and 0<a+b≤6 are satisfied.

The production method according to the first embodiment is a method for producing a halide with industrially high productivity. The method with industrially high productivity is, for example, a method enabling low-cost mass production. That is, by a simple and easy production method (i.e., heat treatment in an inert gas atmosphere), a halide containing Li (i.e., lithium), Y (i.e., yttrium), Gd (i.e., gadolinium), and Ca (i.e., calcium) can be produced.

In the production method according to the first embodiment, it is not necessary to use a vacuum-sealed tube and a planetary ball mill.

Since “(NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a)” included in the mixed material can be simply and easily synthesized from inexpensive Y₂O₃ and NH₄α, the production cost can be further reduced.

Since “(NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b)” included in the mixed material can be simply and easily synthesized from inexpensive Gd₂O₃ and NH₄β, the production cost can be further reduced.

In order to enhance the ionic conductivity of a halide, the formulas: 0.5≤a≤3, and 0.5≤b≤3 may be satisfied.

In order to enhance the ionic conductivity of a halide, the formulas: a=3, and b=3 may be satisfied.

In order to further enhance the ionic conductivity of a halide, α, β, γ, and δ may be each independently at least one selected from the group consisting of Cl and Br.

For example, in the case where the mixed material to be heat-treated in the heat treatment step S1000 includes (NH₄)₃YCl₆, (NH₄)₃GdCl₆, LiCl, and CaCl₂, the reaction represented by the formula (1) below is considered to proceed.

0.5(NH₄)₃YCl₆+0.5(NH₄)₃GdCl₆+2.8LiCl+0.1CaCl₂→Li_(2.8)Ca_(0.1)Y_(0.5)Gd_(0.5)Cl₆+3NH₃+3HCl  (1)

By the reaction represented by the formula (1), Li_(2.8)Ca_(0.1)Y_(0.5)Gd_(0.5)Cl₆ is obtained.

In the heat treatment step S1000, for example, powder of the mixed material may be placed in a container (e.g., a crucible) and heat-treated in a heating furnace. In this case, the state in which the mixed material is heated to a predetermined temperature in an inert gas atmosphere may be held for more than or equal to a predetermined time. The heat treatment time may be a time period that does not cause a compositional change of a heat-treated product due to volatilization of a halide or the like. The term “not causing a compositional change of a heat-treated product” means not impairing the ionic conductivity of the heat-treated product. In the production method according to the first embodiment, for example, it is possible to produce a halide having an ionic conductivity of greater than or equal to 2.6×10⁻¹⁰ S/cm at around room temperature.

The inert gas atmosphere means, for example, an atmosphere in which the total concentration of gases other than the inert gas is less than or equal to 1% by volume. The inert gas is, for example, helium, nitrogen, or argon.

After the heat treatment step S1000, the heat-treated product may be pulverized. In this case, a pulverizing apparatus (e.g., a mortar or mixer) may be used.

The mixed material may be a material in which (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a), (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b), Liγ, and Caδ₂ are mixed.

The mixed material may be a material in which, in addition to (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a), (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b), Liγ, and Caδ₂, a material different from (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a), (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b), Liγ, and Caδ₂ is further mixed.

In at least one selected from the group consisting of (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a), (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b), Liγ, and Caδ₂ included in the mixed material, part of metal cations may be replaced with other metal cations. That is, part of Y, Gd, Li, and Ca may be replaced with other metal cations. That is, the mixed material may further include a compound in which part of Y in (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a) is replaced with other metal cations, a compound in which part of Gd in (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b) is replaced with other metal cations, a compound in which part of Li in Liγ is replaced with other metal cations, or a compound in which part of Ca in Caδ₂ is replaced with other metal cations. Thus, it is possible to improve the properties (e.g., ionic conductivity) of the resulting halide. The cation substitution ratio of Y, Gd, Li, and Ca with other metal cations may be less than 50 mol %. Thus, a halide with a stabler structure can be obtained.

In at least one selected from the group consisting of (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a), (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b), Liγ, and Caδ₂ included in the mixed material, part of metal cations may be for example, replaced with at least one cation selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Mg, Sr, Ba, Zn, In, Sn, Bi, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu.

In the heat treatment step S1000, the mixed material may be heat-treated at higher than or equal to 300° C. Thus, a halide having high ionic conductivity can be produced by a method with industrially high productivity. By setting the heat treatment temperature to be higher than or equal to 300° C., the mixed material can be reacted sufficiently. That is, (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a), (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b), Liγ, and Caδ₂ can be reacted sufficiently. Here, the term “heat treatment temperature” refers to ambient temperature. In the case where the mixed material is heat-treated at higher than or equal to 300° C., it is possible to produce a halide having an ionic conductivity of greater than or equal to 7.6×10⁻⁷ S/cm at around room temperature.

In order to produce a halide having higher ionic conductivity by a method with industrially high productivity, the mixed material may be heat-treated at lower than or equal to 700° C. The mixed material may be heat-treated, for example, at higher than or equal to 300° C. and lower than or equal to 700° C. By setting the heat treatment temperature to be lower than or equal to 700° C., it is possible to suppress thermal decomposition of a halide formed by a solid phase reaction. Consequently, the ionic conductivity of a halide, which is a heat-treated product, can be enhanced. That is, a high-quality halide solid electrolyte can be obtained.

In order to produce a halide having higher ionic conductivity by a method with industrially high productivity, the mixed material may be heat-treated at higher than or equal to 350° C. The mixed material may be heat-treated, for example, at higher than or equal to 350° C. and lower than or equal to 700° C. Thus, a halide, which is a heat-treated product, has higher crystallinity. Consequently, the ionic conductivity of a halide, which is a heat-treated product, can be further enhanced. That is, a higher-quality halide solid electrolyte material can be obtained.

In order to produce a halide having higher ionic conductivity by a method with industrially high productivity, the mixed material may be heat-treated at lower than or equal to 650° C. The mixed material may be heat-treated, for example, at higher than or equal to 300° C. and lower than or equal to 650° C., or at higher than or equal to 350° C. and lower than or equal to 650° C. Thus, it is possible to suppress thermal decomposition of a halide formed by a solid phase reaction. Consequently, the ionic conductivity of a halide, which is a heat-treated product, can be enhanced. That is, a high-quality halide solid electrolyte can be obtained.

In order to produce a halide having higher ionic conductivity by a method with industrially high productivity, the mixed material may be heat-treated in more than or equal to 1 hour and less than or equal to 72 hours. By setting the heat treatment time to be more than or equal to 1 hour, the mixed material can be reacted sufficiently. That is, (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a), (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b), Liγ, and Caδ₂ can be reacted sufficiently. By setting the heat treatment time to be less than or equal to 72 hours, volatilization of a halide, which is a heat-treated product, can be suppressed. That is, it is possible to obtain a halide having a target compositional ratio. Consequently, it is possible to suppress a decrease in ionic conductivity of a halide due to a compositional change. That is, a higher-quality halide solid electrolyte material can be obtained.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a production method according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the production method according to the first embodiment may further include a mixing step S1100.

The mixing step S1100 is carried out before the heat treatment step S1000.

In the mixing step S1100, (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a), (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b), Liγ, and Caδ₂ serving as starting materials are mixed. Thus, a mixed material is obtained. That is, a material to be heat-treated in the heat treatment step S1000 is obtained.

In order to mix the starting materials, a commonly known mixing apparatus (e.g., a mortar, blender, or ball mill) may be used.

For example, in the mixing step S1100, powders of the starting materials may be prepared and mixed. In this case, in the heat treatment step S1000, a mixed material in the form of powder may be heat-treated. The mixed material in the form of powder obtained in the mixing step S1100 may be shaped into pellets by pressing. Alternatively, in the heat treatment step S1000, a mixed material in the form of pellets may be heat-treated.

In the mixing step S1100, by further mixing, in addition to (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a), (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b), Liγ, and Caδ₂, a starting material different from (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a), (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b), Liγ, and Caδ₂, a mixed material may be obtained.

In the mixing step S1100, a starting material containing (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a) as a main component, a starting material containing (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b) as a main component, a starting material containing Liγ as a main component, and a starting material containing Caδ₂ as a main component may be mixed. The term “main component” refers to a component having the highest content by molar ratio.

In the mixing step S1100, (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a), (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b), Liγ, and Caδ₂ may be prepared and mixed so as to have a target composition.

For example, (NH₄)₃YCl₆, (NH₄)₃GdCl₆, LiCl, and CaCl₂ may be mixed so as to satisfy the molar ratio of (NH₄)₃YCl₆:(NH₄)₃GdCl₆:LiCl:CaCl₂=0.5:0.5:2.8:0.1. Thus, a halide having the composition represented by Li_(2.8)Ca_(0.1)Y_(0.5)Gd_(0.5)Cl₆ can be produced.

The molar ratio of (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a), (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b), Liγ, and Caδ₂ may be adjusted beforehand so as to cancel out a compositional change that may occur in the heat treatment step S1000.

In the mixing step S1100, in at least one selected from the group consisting of (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a), (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b), Liγ, and Caδ₂, part of metal cations may be replaced with other metal cations. That is, part of Y, Gd, Li, and Ca may be replaced with other metal cations. That is, a mixed material may be obtained by further mixing a compound in which part of Y in (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a) is replaced with other metal cations, a compound in which part of Gd in (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b) is replaced with other metal cations, a compound in which part of Li in Liγ is replaced with other metal cations, or a compound in which part of Ca in Caδ₂ is replaced with other metal cations. The cation substitution ratio of Y, Gd, Li, and Ca with other metal cations may be less than 50 mol %.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a production method according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the production method according to the first embodiment may further include a preparation step S1200.

The preparation step S1200 is caried out before the mixing step S1100.

In the preparation step S1200, (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a) and (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b) are prepared. In the preparation step S1200, Liγ and Caδ₂ may be further prepared. That is, materials to be mixed in the mixing step S1100 may be prepared.

In the preparation step S1200, a starting material, such as (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a), (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b), Liγ, or Caδ₂, may be synthesized. Alternatively, in the preparation step S1200, commonly known, commercially available products (e.g., materials with a purity of greater than or equal to 99%) may be used.

Materials to be prepared may be dry.

Materials to be prepared may be, for example, in the form of crystals, aggregates, flakes, or powder. In the preparation step S1200, starting materials in the form of powder may be obtained by pulverizing starting materials in the form of crystals, aggregates, or flakes.

In order to reduce production cost, in the preparation step S1200, (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a) may be synthesized from inexpensive Y₂O₃ and NH₄α.

In order to reduce production cost, in the preparation step S1200, (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b) may be synthesized from inexpensive Gd₂O₃ and NH₄β.

(NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a) is, for example, synthesized as follows.

Y₂O₃ and NH₄α, as starting materials, are mixed, for example, at a molar ratio of Y₂O₃:NH₄α=1:12 to obtain a mixture. The mixture is heat-treated, for example, at higher than or equal to 150° C. and lower than or equal to 350° C. The value of a can vary depending on the heat treatment temperature.

For example, in the case where a is Cl, i.e., in the case where Y₂O₃ and NH₄Cl are mixed and heat-treated, the reactions represented by the formulas (2) and (3) below proceed.

Y₂O₃+12NH₄Cl→2(NH₄)₃YCl₆+6NH₃+3H₂O  (2)

2(NH₄)₃YCl₆→2(NH₄)_(0.5)YCl_(3.5)+5NH₄Cl  (3)

When the mixture containing Y₂O₃ and NH₄Cl is heat-treated, for example, at about 200° C., the reaction represented by the formula (2) takes place. As a result, (NH₄)₃YCl₆ is obtained as a main product. When the mixture is heat-treated, for example, at about 350° C., the reaction represented by the formula (3) takes place. As a result, (NH₄)_(0.5)YCl_(3.5) is obtained as a main product. In this way, when the heat treatment temperature changes, the value of a can also change.

Note that, in order to make the reaction proceed satisfactorily, NH₄a may be prepared in an excessive amount with respect to Y₂O₃. For example, the amount of NH₄a prepared is 5 to 15 mol % in excess with respect to Y₂O₃.

The heat treatment may be performed in an inert gas atmosphere or in a reduced pressure atmosphere.

(NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b) is, for example, synthesized as follows.

Gd₂O₃ and NH₄β, as starting materials, are mixed, for example, at a molar ratio of Gd₂O₃:NH₄β=1:12 to obtain a mixture. The mixture is heat-treated, for example, at higher than or equal to 150° C. and lower than or equal to 350° C. The value of b can vary depending on the heat treatment temperature.

For example, in the case where β is Cl, i.e., in the case where Gd₂O₃ and NH₄Cl are mixed and heat-treated, the reactions represented by the formulas (4) and (5) below proceed.

Gd₂O₃+12NH₄Cl→2(NH₄)₃GdCl₆+6NH₃+3H₂O  (4)

2(NH₄)₃GdCl₆→2(NH₄)_(0.5)GdCl_(3.5)+5NH₄Cl  (5)

When the mixture containing Gd₂O₃ and NH₄Cl is heat-treated, for example, at about 200° C., the reaction represented by the formula (4) takes place. As a result, (NH₄)₃GdCl₆ is obtained as a main product. When the mixture is heat-treated, for example, at about 350° C., the reaction represented by the formula (5) takes place. As a result, (NH₄)_(0.5)GdCl_(3.5) is obtained as a main product. In this way, when the heat treatment temperature changes, the value of b can also change.

In order to make the reaction proceed satisfactorily, NH₄Cl may be prepared in an excessive amount with respect to Gd₂O₃. For example, the amount of NH₄β prepared is 5 to 15 mol % in excess with respect to Gd₂O₃.

The heat treatment may be performed in an inert gas atmosphere or in a reduced pressure atmosphere.

In at least one selected from the group consisting of (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a) and (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b), which are prepared in the preparation step S1200, part of metal cations may be replaced with other metal cations. That is, part of Y and Gd may be replaced with other metal cations. That is, a compound in which part of Y in (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a) is replaced with other metal cations, or a compound in which part of Gd in (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b) is replaced with other metal cations may be further prepared. The cation substitution ratio of Y and Gd with other metal cations may be less than 50 mol %.

The halide produced by the production method according to the first embodiment can be used as a solid electrolyte material. The solid electrolyte material may be, for example, a solid electrolyte having lithium ion conductivity. The solid electrolyte material is used, for example, in all-solid-state lithium-ion secondary batteries.

EXAMPLES

The present disclosure will be described in more detail below.

Halides produced by the production method of the present disclosure described below were evaluated as solid electrolyte materials.

Sample 1 (Production of Solid Electrolyte Material)

First, (NH₄)₃YCl₆ and (NH₄)₃GdCl₆ were synthesized.

As starting materials for (NH₄)₃YCl₆, Y₂O₃ and NH₄Cl were prepared so as to satisfy the molar ratio of Y₂O₃:NH₄Cl=1:13.2. That is, the preparation was made so that the amount of NH₄Cl was 10 mol % in excess with respect to Y₂O₃. These materials were pulverized in a mortar made of agate and mixed. The resulting mixture was placed in a crucible made of alumina, and heat-treated, in a nitrogen atmosphere, at 200° C. for 15 hours. Thus, (NH₄)₃YCl₆ was obtained.

As starting materials for (NH₄)₃GdCl₆, Gd₂O₃ and NH₄Cl were prepared so as to satisfy the molar ratio of Gd₂O₃:NH₄Cl=1:13.2. That is, the preparation was made so that the amount of NH₄Cl was 10 mol % in excess with respect to Gd₂O₃. These materials were pulverized in a mortar made of agate and mixed. The resulting mixture was placed in a crucible made of alumina, and heat-treated, in a nitrogen atmosphere, at 150° C. for 15 hours. Thus, (NH₄)₃GdCl₆ was obtained.

Next, in an argon atmosphere with a dew point of lower than or equal to −60° C. and an oxygen concentration of less than or equal to 0.0001% by volume (hereinafter, referred to as “a dry argon atmosphere”), (NH₄)₃YCl₆, (NH₄)₃GdCl₆, LiCl, LiBr, and CaBr₂ were prepared so as to satisfy the molar ratio of (NH₄)₃YCl₆:(NH₄)₃GdCl₆:LiCl:LiBr:CaBr₂=0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1. These materials were pulverized and mixed in a mortar made of agate. The resulting mixture was placed in a crucible made of alumina, and heat-treated, in a dry argon atmosphere, at 500° C. for 1 hour. The resulting heat-treated product was pulverized in a mortar made of agate. Thus, a solid electrolyte material according to Sample 1 containing Li, Ca, Y, Gd, Br, and Cl was obtained.

(Composition Analysis of Solid Electrolyte Material)

The contents of Li, Y, Ca and Gd per unit weight of the solid electrolyte material according to Sample 1 were measured by an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrochemical analysis method using an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrochemical analysis device (Thermo Fisher Scientific K.K., iCAP7400). On the basis of the contents of Li, Ca, Y, and Gd obtained from the measurement results, a molar ratio of Li:Ca:Y:Gd was calculated. As a result, the solid electrolyte material according to Sample 1 had a molar ratio of Li:Ca:Y:Gd=2.8:0.1:0.6:0.4.

(Evaluation of Ionic Conductivity)

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a pressure-molding die 200 used for evaluating the ionic conductivity of a solid electrolyte material.

The pressure-molding die 200 included an upper punch 201, a die 202, and a lower punch 203. The die 202 was made of insulating polycarbonate. The upper punch 201 and the lower punch 203 were made of electronically conductive stainless steel.

Using the pressure-molding die 200 shown in FIG. 4 , the impedance of the solid electrolyte material according to Sample 1 was measured by the method described below.

In a dry argon atmosphere, the pressure-molding die 200 was filled with powder of the solid electrolyte material according to Sample 1. Inside the pressure-molding die 200, a pressure of 300 MPa was applied to the solid electrolyte material according to Sample 1, using the upper punch 201 and the lower punch 203.

With the pressure being applied, the upper punch 201 and the lower punch 203 were connected to a potentiostat (Princeton Applied Research, VersaSTAT4) equipped with a frequency response analyzer. The upper punch 201 was connected to a working electrode and a potential measurement terminal, The lower punch 203 was connected to a counter electrode and a reference electrode. The impedance of the solid electrolyte material was measured by an electrochemical impedance measurement method at room temperature.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing the Cole-Cole plot obtained by impedance measurement of the solid electrolyte material according to Sample 1.

In FIG. 5 , the real number value of the impedance at the measurement point having the smallest absolute value of the phase of the complex impedance was considered as a resistance value for the ionic conduction of the solid electrolyte material. Refer to the arrow R_(SE) shown in FIG. 5 for the real number value. The ionic conductivity was calculated on the basis of the following formula (6) using the resistance value:

δ=(R_(SE)×S/t)⁻¹  (6)

Here, a represents the ionic conductivity. S represents the contact area of the solid electrolyte material with the upper punch 201 (equal to the cross-sectional area of a hollow portion of the die 202 in FIG. 4 ). R represents the resistance value of the solid electrolyte material. t represents the thickness of the solid electrolyte material (i.e., in FIG. 4 , the thickness of powder 101 of the solid electrolyte material).

The ionic conductivity of the solid electrolyte material according to Sample 1 measured at 25° C. was 3.9×10⁻⁴ S/cm.

Samples 2 to 33 (Production of Solid Electrolyte Material)

In samples 2 to 20 and 33, solid electrolyte materials according to Samples 2 to 20 were obtained as in Sample 1 except for the heat treatment temperature and the heat treatment time. The heat treatment temperature and the heat treatment time are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

In Sample 21, as starting material powder, (NH₄)₃YCl₆, (NH₄)₃GdCl₆, LiCl, LiBr, and CaBr₂ were prepared so as to satisfy the molar ratio of (NH₄)₃YCl₆:(NH₄)₃GdCl₆:LiCl:LiBr:CaBr₂=0.4:0.6:0.5:2.3:0.1.

In Sample 22, as starting material powder, (NH₄)₃YCl₆, (NH₄)₃GdCl₆, LiCl, LiBr, and CaBr₂ were prepared so as to satisfy the molar ratio of (NH₄)₃YCl₆:(NH₄)₃GdCl₆:LiCl:LiBr:CaBr₂=0.5:0.5:0.5:2.3:0.1.

In Sample 23, as starting material powder, (NH₄)₃YCl₆, (NH₄)₃GdCl₆, LiCl, LiBr, and CaBr₂ were prepared so as to satisfy the molar ratio of (NH₄)₃YCl₆:(NH₄)₃GdCl₆:LiCl:LiBr:CaBr₂=0.7:0.3:0.5:2.3:0.1.

In Sample 24, as starting material powder, (NH₄)₃YCl₆, (NH₄)₃GdCl₆, LiCl, LiBr, and CaBr₂ were prepared so as to satisfy the molar ratio of (NH₄)₃YCl₆:(NH₄)₃GdCl₆:LiCl:LiBr:CaBr₂=0.9:0.1:0.5:2.3:0.1.

In Sample 25, as starting material powder, (NH₄)₃YCl₆, (NH₄)₃GdCl₆, LiBr, and CaBr₂ were prepared so as to satisfy the molar ratio of (NH₄)₃YCl₆:(NH₄)₃GdCl₆:LiBr:CaBr₂=0.4:0.6:2.8:0.1.

In Sample 26, as starting material powder, (NH₄)₃YCl₆, (NH₄)₃GdCl₆, LiCl, LiBr, and CaBr₂ were prepared so as to satisfy the molar ratio of (NH₄)₃YCl₆:(NH₄)₃GdCl₆:LiCl:LiBr:CaBr₂=0.4:0.6:1.0:1.8:0.1.

As in Sample 1 except for the items described above, solid electrolyte materials according to Samples 21 to 26 were obtained.

In Sample 27, first, (NH₄)_(0.5)GdCl_(3.5) serving as a starting material for a solid electrolyte material was synthesized.

As starting materials for (NH₄)_(0.5)GdCl_(3.5), Gd₂O₃ and NH₄Cl were weighed to satisfy the molar ratio of Gd₂O₃:NH₄Cl=1:13.2. That is, preparation was made so that the amount of NH₄Cl was 10 mol % in excess with respect to Gd₂O₃. These materials were pulverized in a mortar made of agate and mixed. The resulting mixture was placed in a crucible made of alumina, and heat-treated, in a nitrogen atmosphere, at 350° C. for 15 hours. Thus, (NH₄)_(0.5)GdCl_(3.5) was obtained.

Next, in a dry argon atmosphere, as starting material powder, (NH₄)₃YCl₆, (NH₄)_(0.5)GdCl_(3.5), LiCl, LiBr, and CaBr₂ were prepared so as to satisfy the molar ratio of (NH₄)₃YCl₆:(NH₄)_(0.5)GdCl_(3.5):LiCl:LiBr:CaBr₂=0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1. As in Sample 1 except for the items described above, a solid electrolyte material according to Sample 27 was obtained.

In Sample 28, first, GdCl₃ serving as a starting material for a solid electrolyte material was synthesized.

As starting materials for GdCl₃, Gd₂O₃ and NH₄Cl were prepared so as to satisfy the molar ratio of Gd₂O₃:NH₄Cl=1:13.2. That is, the preparation was made so that the amount of NH₄Cl was 10 mol % in excess with respect to Gd₂O₃. These materials were pulverized in a mortar made of agate and mixed. The resulting mixture was placed in a crucible made of alumina, and heat-treated, in a nitrogen atmosphere, at 450° C. for 15 hours. Thus, GdCl₃ was obtained.

Next, in a dry argon atmosphere, as starting material powder, (NH₄)₃YCl₆, GdCl₃, LiCl, LiBr, and CaBr₂ were prepared so as to satisfy the molar ratio of (NH₄)₃YCl₆:GdCl₃:LiCl:LiBr:CaBr₂=0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1. As in Sample 1 except for the items described above, a solid electrolyte material according to Sample 28 was obtained.

In Sample 29, first, (NH₄)_(0.5)YCl_(3.5) serving as a starting material for a solid electrolyte material was synthesized.

As starting materials for (NH₄)_(0.5)YCl_(3.5), Y₂O₃ and NH₄Cl were prepared so as to satisfy the molar ratio of Y₂O₃:NH₄Cl=1:13.2. That is, the preparation was made so that the amount of NH₄Cl was 10 mol % in excess with respect to Y₂O₃. These materials were pulverized in a mortar made of agate and mixed. The resulting mixture was placed in a crucible made of alumina, and heat-treated, in a nitrogen atmosphere, at 350° C. for 15 hours. Thus, (NH₄)_(0.5)YCl_(3.5) was obtained.

Next, in a dry argon atmosphere, as starting material powder, (NH₄)_(0.5)YCl_(3.5), (NH₄)₃GdCl₆, LiCl, LiBr, and CaBr₂ were prepared so as to satisfy the molar ratio of (NH₄)_(0.5)YCl_(3.5):(NH₄)₃GdCl₆:LiCl:LiBr:CaBr₂=0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1. As in Sample 1 except for the items described above, a solid electrolyte material according to Sample 29 was obtained.

In Sample 30, first, YCl₃ serving as a starting material for a solid electrolyte material was synthesized.

As starting materials for YCl₃, Y₂O₃ and NH₄Cl were prepared so as to satisfy the molar ratio of Y₂O₃:NH₄Cl=1:13.2. That is, the preparation was made so that the amount of NH₄Cl was 10 mol % in excess with respect to Y₂O₃. These materials were pulverized in a mortar made of agate and mixed. The resulting mixture was placed in a crucible made of alumina, and heat-treated, in a nitrogen atmosphere, at 450° C. for 15 hours. Thus, YCl₃ was obtained.

Next, in a dry argon atmosphere, as starting material powder, YCl₃, (NH₄)₃GdCl₆, LiCl, LiBr, and CaBr₂ were prepared so as to satisfy the molar ratio of YCl₃:(NH₄)₃GdCl₆:LiCl:LiBr:CaBr₂=0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1. As in Sample 1 except for the items described above, a solid electrolyte material according to Sample 30 was obtained.

In Sample 31, first, (NH₄)₃YBr₆ serving as a starting material for a solid electrolyte material was synthesized.

As starting materials for (NH₄)₃YBr₆, Y₂O₃ and NH₄Br were prepared so as to satisfy the molar ratio of Y₂O₃:NH₄Br=1:13.2. (That is, the preparation was made so that the amount of NH₄Br was 10 mol % in excess with respect to Y₂O₃.) These materials were pulverized in a mortar made of agate and mixed. The resulting mixture was placed in a crucible made of alumina, and heat-treated, in a nitrogen atmosphere, at 200° C. for 15 hours. Thus, (NH₄)₃YBr₆ was obtained.

Next, in a dry argon atmosphere, as starting material powder, (NH₄)₃YBr₆, (NH₄)₃GdCl₆, LiCl, LiBr, and CaCl₂ were prepared so as to satisfy the molar ratio of (NH₄)₃YBr₆:(NH₄)₃GdCl₆:LiCl:LiBr:CaCl₂=0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1. As in Sample 1 except for the items described above, a solid electrolyte material according to Sample 31 was obtained.

In Sample 32, first, (NH₄)₃GdBr₆ serving as a starting material for a solid electrolyte material was synthesized.

As starting materials for (NH₄)₃GdBr₆, Gd₂O₃ and NH₄Br were prepared so as to satisfy the molar ratio of Gd₂O₃:NH₄Br=1:13.2. (That is, the preparation was made so that the amount of NH₄Br was 10 mol % in excess with respect to Gd₂O₃.) These materials were pulverized in a mortar made of agate and mixed. The resulting mixture was placed in a crucible made of alumina, and heat-treated, in a nitrogen atmosphere, at 200° C. for 15 hours. Thus, (NH₄)₃GdBr₆ was obtained.

Next, in a dry argon atmosphere, as starting material powder, (NH₄)₃YCl₆, (NH₄)₃GdBr₆, LiCl, LiBr, and CaCl₂ were prepared so as to satisfy the molar ratio of (NH₄)₃YCl₆:(NH₄)₃GdBr₆:LiCl:LiBr:CaCl₂=0.5:0.5:1.0:1.85:0.075. As in Sample 1 except for the items described above, a solid electrolyte material according to Sample 32 was obtained.

(Evaluation of Ionic Conductivity)

Ionic conductivities of the solid electrolyte materials according to Samples 2 to 33 were measured as in Sample 1. The measurement results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

In Tables 1 and 2, the starting material 1 is a halide containing Y. The starting material 2 is a halide containing Gd. The starting material 3 is LiCl. The starting material 4 is LiBr. The starting material 5 is a halide containing Ca.

TABLE 1 Molar ratio of starting materials Starting material 1:Starting material Starting Starting Starting 2:Starting material Heat material 1 material 2 material 5 3:Starting material treatment Heat Ionic (NH₄)_(a)YαC_(a+3) (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(b+3) Caδ₂ 4:Starting material temperature treatment conductivity α a β b δ 5 (° C.) time (hr) (S/cm) Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1 500 1 3.9 × 10⁻³ 1 Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1 300 1 7.6 × 10⁻⁷ 2 Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1 300 24 7.4 × 10⁻⁵ 3 Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1 300 60 4.4 × 10⁻⁴ 4 Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1 350 1 5.6 × 10⁻⁴ 5 Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1 350 24 3.2 × 10⁻³ 6 Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1 350 60 2.6 × 10⁻³ 7 Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1 400 1 6.6 × 10⁻⁴ 8 Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1 420 1 1.5 × 10⁻³ 9 Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1 450 1 3.1 × 10⁻³ 10 Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1 460 1 3.2 × 10⁻³ 11 Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1 480 1 3.3 × 10⁻³ 12 Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1 500 0.5 3.2 × 10⁻³ 13 Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1 500 24 3.2 × 10⁻³ 14 Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1 500 60 2.8 × 10⁻³ 15

TABLE 2 Molar ratio of starting materials Starting material 1:Starting material Starting Starting Starting 2:Starting material Heat material 1 material 2 material 5 3:Starting material treatment Heat Ionic (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(a+3) (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(b+3) Caδ₂ 4:Starting material temperature treatment conductivity α a β b δ 5 (° C.) time (hr) (S/cm) Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1 520 1 3.4 × 10⁻³ 16 Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1 550 1 3.8 × 10⁻³ 17 Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1 600 1 3.1 × 10⁻³ 18 Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1 650 1 3.3 × 10⁻³ 19 Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1 700 1 2.5 × 10⁻³ 20 Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.4:0.6:0.5:2.3:0.1 500 1 3.4 × 10⁻³ 21 Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.5:0.5:0.5:2.3:0.1 500 1 3.5 × 10⁻³ 22 Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.7:0.3:0.5:2.3:0.1 500 1 2.6 × 10⁻³ 23 Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.9:0.1:0.5:2.3:0.1 500 1 2.9 × 10⁻³ 24 Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.4:0.6:0:2.8:0.1 500 1 3.9 × 10⁻³ 25 Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.4:0.6:1:1.8:0.1 500 1 2.5 × 10⁻³ 26 Sample Cl 3 Cl 0.5 Br 0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1 500 1 2.1 × 10⁻³ 27 Sample Cl 3 Cl 0 Br 0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1 500 1 1.8 × 10⁻³ 28 Sample Cl 0.5 Cl 3 Br 0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1 500 1 2.1 × 10⁻³ 29 Sample Cl 0 Cl 3 Br 0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1 500 1 2.4 × 10⁻³ 30 Sample Br 3 Cl 3 Cl 0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1 500 1 3.4 × 10⁻³ 31 Sample Cl 3 Br 3 Cl 0.5:0.5:1:1.85:0.075 500 1 2.6 × 10⁻³ 32 Sample Cl 3 Cl 3 Br 0.6:0.4:0.5:2.3:0.1 200 1  2.6 × 10⁻¹⁰ 33

<Considerations>

As is clear from Samples 1 to 33, the resulting solid electrolyte materials have, at room temperature, an ionic conductivity of greater than or equal to 2.6×10⁻¹⁰ S/cm. As is clear from comparison of Samples 1 to 32 with Sample 33, when the heat treatment temperature is higher than or equal to 300° C. and lower than or equal to 700° C., the resulting solid electrolyte material has, at room temperature, a higher ionic conductivity of greater than or equal to 7.6×10⁻⁷ S/cm. The reason for this is considered to be that the resulting solid electrolyte material has higher crystallinity.

As is clear from comparison of Samples 1, 5, 8 to 12, and 16 to 20 with Sample 2, when the heat treatment temperature is higher than or equal to 350° C. and lower than or equal to 700° C., the ionic conductivity of the solid electrolyte material is further enhanced.

As is clear from comparison of Samples 1, 8 to 12, and 16 to 20 with Sample 5, when the heat treatment temperature is higher than or equal to 400° C. and lower than or equal to 700° C., the ionic conductivity of the solid electrolyte material is still further enhanced. As is clear from comparison of Samples 1, 9 to 12, and 16 to 20 with Sample 8, when the heat treatment temperature is higher than or equal to 420° C. and lower than or equal to 700° C., the ionic conductivity of the solid electrolyte material is still further enhanced. The reason for this is considered to be that the solid electrolyte material has higher crystallinity.

As is clear from comparison of Samples 3, 4, 6, and 7 with Samples 2 and 5, when the heat treatment temperature is lower than 500° C., if the heat treatment time is more than or equal to 24 hours and less than or equal to 60 hours, the solid electrolyte material has higher ionic conductivity.

As described above, the solid electrolyte material produced by the production method of the present disclosure has high lithium ion conductivity. Furthermore, the production method of the present disclosure is a simple and easy method and a method with industrially high productivity. The method with industrially high productivity is, for example, a method enabling low-cost mass production.

The production method of the present disclosure is, for example, used as a method for producing a solid electrolyte material. The solid electrolyte material produced by the production method of the present disclosure is used, for example, in all-solid-state lithium-ion secondary batteries. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A production method for producing a halide, the method comprising: heat-treating a mixed material containing (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a), (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b), Liγ, and Caδ₂ in an inert gas atmosphere, wherein α, β, γ, and δ are each independently at least one selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, and I, and the following three formulas: 0≤a≤3, 0≤b≤3, and 0<a+b≤6, are satisfied.
 2. The production method according to claim 1, wherein the mixed material is heat-treated at higher than or equal to 300° C.
 3. The production method according to claim 2, wherein the mixed material is heat-treated at higher than or equal to 350° C.
 4. The production method according to claim 1, wherein the mixed material is heat-treated at lower than or equal to 700° C.
 5. The production method according to claim 4, wherein the mixed material is heat-treated at lower than or equal to 650° C.
 6. The production method according to claim 1, wherein the mixed material is heat-treated in more than or equal to 1 hour and less than or equal to 72 hours.
 7. The production method according to claim 1, wherein the following two formulas: 0.5≤a≤3, and 0.5≤b≤3, are satisfied.
 8. The production method according to claim 7, wherein the following two formulas: a=3, and b=3, are satisfied.
 9. The production method according to claim 1, wherein α, β, γ, and δ are each independently at least one selected from the group consisting of Cl and Br.
 10. The production method according to claim 1, further comprising preparing the (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a) and the (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b), wherein in the preparation, the (NH₄)_(a)Yα_(3+a) is synthesized from Y₂O₃ and NH₄α, and the (NH₄)_(b)Gdβ_(3+b) is synthesized from Gd₂O₃ and NH₄β. 